Lettuce variety &#39;dark horse&#39;

ABSTRACT

New lettuce variety designated ‘Dark Horse’ is described. ‘Dark Horse’ exhibits stability and uniformity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/905,241, filed Sep. 24, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of plant breeding. In particular, this invention relates to new lettuce, Lactuca sativa, varieties ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Hotshot, and ‘Uppercut’.

BACKGROUND

Lettuce is an increasingly popular crop. Worldwide lettuce consumption continues to increase. As a result of this demand, there is a continued need for new lettuce varieties. In particular, there is a need for improved lettuce varieties that are stable, high yielding, and agronomically sound.

SUMMARY

In order to meet these needs, the present invention is directed to improved lettuce varieties.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Dark Horse’ having ATCC Accession Number X1. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X1. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Dark Horse’ as a parent, where ‘Dark Horse’ is grown from ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X1.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X1; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X1. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Hotshot’ having ATCC Accession Number X2. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Hotshot’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Hotshot’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X2. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Hotshot’ as a parent, where ‘Hotshot’ is grown from ‘Hotshot’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X2.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Hotshot’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Hotshot’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Hotshot’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Hotshot’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X2; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Hotshot’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X2. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Uppercut’ having ATCC Accession Number X3. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Uppercut’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Uppercut’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X3. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Uppercut’ as a parent, where ‘Uppercut’ is grown from ‘Uppercut’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X3.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Uppercut’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Uppercut’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Uppercut’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Uppercut’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X3; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Uppercut’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X3. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

FIGS. 1A-1G show lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1A shows a head of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1B shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1C shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1D shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1E shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1F shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1G shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’.

FIGS. 2A-2W show comparisons between lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Showtime’, and ‘Greenbelt’. FIG. 2A shows heads of lettuce varieties ‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082, top) and ‘Dark Horse’ (bottom). FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082, top) and ‘Dark Horse’ (bottom). FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082, top) and ‘Dark Horse’ (bottom). FIG. 2D shows plants of lettuce varieties ‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082, top) and ‘Dark Horse’ (bottom). FIG. 2E shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082). FIG. 2F shows a head of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082). FIG. 2G shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082). FIG. 2H shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’. FIG. 2I shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’. FIG. 2J shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’. FIG. 2K shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’. FIG. 2L shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’. FIG. 2M shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’. FIG. 2N shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’. FIG. 2O shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’. FIG. 2P shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Showtime’ (bottom). FIG. 2Q shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Greenbelt’ (bottom). FIG. 2R shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Showtime’ (bottom). FIG. 2S shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Greenbelt’ (bottom). FIG. 2T shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Showtime’ (bottom). FIG. 2U shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Greenbelt’ (bottom). FIG. 2V shows harvest-mature outer leaves of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Showtime’ (bottom). FIG. 2W shows harvest-mature outer leaves of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Greenbelt’ (bottom).

FIGS. 3A-3H show lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3A shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ (labeled 14RDSJV009-2). FIG. 3B shows a plant of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3C shows seedlings of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3D shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3E shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3F shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3G shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3H shows a harvest-mature outer leaf of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’.

FIGS. 4A-4AA show comparisons between lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’, ‘El Guapo’, ‘Caretaker’ (labeled PS1080), and ‘Raider’. FIG. 4A shows plants of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (left) and ‘El Guapo’ (right). FIG. 4B shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce of variety ‘Caretaker’ (labeled PS1080). FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce of varieties ‘Hotshot’ (labeled 14RDSJV009-2, bottom) and ‘Caretaker’ (labeled PS1080, top). FIG. 4D shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4E shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4F shows seedlings of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4G shows seedlings of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4H shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4I shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4J shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4K shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4L shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4M shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4N shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4O shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4P shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (left) and ‘Caretaker’ (right). FIG. 4Q shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (left) and ‘Raider’ (right). FIG. 4R shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Raider’ (left). FIG. 4S shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Caretaker’ (left). FIG. 4T shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Raider’ (left). FIG. 4U shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Caretaker’ (left). FIG. 4V shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Raider’ (left). FIG. 4W shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Caretaker’ (left). FIG. 4X shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (top) and ‘Caretaker’ (bottom). FIG. 4Y shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (top) and ‘Raider’ (bottom). FIG. 4Z shows a harvest-mature outer leaf of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4AA shows a harvest-mature outer leaf of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’.

FIGS. 5A-5E show lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’. FIG. 5A shows a bottom and cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ (14RDSJV013-1). FIG. 5B show plants of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’. FIG. 5C shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’. FIG. 5D shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’. FIG. 5E shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’.

FIGS. 6A-6R show comparisons between lettuce varieties ‘Uppercut’, ‘Headmaster’, and ‘Thunderhead’. FIG. 6A show plants of lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’. FIG. 6B show plants of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’. FIG. 6C shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’. FIG. 6D shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’. FIG. 6E shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’. FIG. 6F shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’. FIG. 6G shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’. FIG. 6H shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’. FIG. 6I shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Thunderhead’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6J shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Headmaster’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6K shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Thunderhead’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6L shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Headmaster’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6M shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Thunderhead’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6N shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Headmaster’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6O shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Thunderhead’ (left) and ‘Uppercut’ (right). FIG. 6P shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Headmaster’ (left) and ‘Uppercut’ (right). FIG. 6Q shows harvest-mature outer leaves of lettuce varieties ‘Thunderhead’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6R shows harvest-mature outer leaves of lettuce varieties ‘Headmaster’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

In order to more clearly understand the invention, the following definitions are provided:

Core Diameter: Core diameter is the diameter of the lettuce stem at the base of the cut head.

Core Length: Core length is the length of the vertically sliced lettuce plant as measured from the base of the cut stem to the top of the apex (growing point).

Fusarium Wilt: Fusarium wilt of lettuce is a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae that causes infected seedlings to wilt, and turn red or brown in color in inner tissues, and causes leaves of infected older plants to turn yellow and develop tip burn.

Head Diameter: Head diameter is the diameter of the vertically sliced lettuce plant head at its widest horizontal point, perpendicular to the stem.

Head Length: Head length is the diameter of the vertically sliced lettuce plant head as measured from the base of the cut stem to the cap leaf.

Head Weight: Head weight is the weight of the marketable lettuce plant, cut and trimmed to market specifications.

Heart Length: Heart length is the length of the vertically sliced lettuce plant as measured from the base of the cut stem to the top leaf margin of the longest outermost leaf that encloses the green leaf heart.

Lettuce Mosaic Virus: A disease that can cause a stunted, deformed, or mottled pattern in young lettuce and yellow, twisted, and deformed leaves in older lettuce.

Maturity Date: Maturity refers to the stage when the plants are of full size or optimum weight, in marketable form or shape to be of commercial or economic value.

Munsell: Munsell refers to the Munsell Color Chart, which uses the Munsell color system.

Nasonovia ribisnigri: A lettuce aphid that colonizes the innermost leaves of the lettuce plant, contaminating areas that cannot be treated easily with insecticides.

Plant Diameter: The plant diameter is a measurement across the top of the lettuce plant at its widest point. The measurement of frame diameter is taken from the outer most leaf tip horizontally to the outer most leaf tip.

Tip burn: Means a browning of the edges or tips of lettuce leaves that is a physiological response to a lack of calcium.

Taking into account these definitions, the present invention is directed to seeds of the lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Hotshot’, and ‘Uppercut’, plants produced by growing ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Hotshot’, and/or ‘Uppercut’ lettuce seeds, heads isolated or harvested from the plants, one or more plants selected from a collection of ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Hotshot’, and/or ‘Uppercut’ plants and seeds derived or produced therefrom; plants produced by crossing a lettuce plant with a ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Hotshot’, and/or ‘Uppercut’ lettuce plant and seeds derived or produced therefrom.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Dark Horse’

‘Dark Horse’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its larger frame and larger head diameter. Moreover, ‘Dark Horse’ has a growing season that includes autumn and winter, is suitable for cultivation in the open, and is adapted to growing in regions in the Southwest, such the Arizona desert, as well as the West Coast regions of the United States. FIGS. 1A-1G depict heads and plants of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. Lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its increased weight.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Dark Horse’.

Lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg)

Seed:

-   -   Color: Munsell 5YR 3/2 (Black)     -   Light dormancy: Light not required     -   Heat dormancy: Susceptible

Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:

-   -   Shape of cotyledons: Broad     -   Shape of fourth leaf: Oval     -   Apical margin: Crenate/gnawed     -   Basal margin: Coarsely dentate     -   Green color: Medium green     -   Anthocyanin distribution: Absent     -   Cupping: Slight     -   Reflexing: None

Mature leaves:

-   -   Margin:         -   Incision depth: Moderate         -   Indentation: Crenatc         -   Undulation of apical margin: Strong     -   Green color: Munsell 5GY 5/6 (Medium green)     -   Anthocyanin distribution: Absent     -   Leaf glossiness: Dull     -   Blistering: Moderate     -   Leaf thickness: Intermediate     -   Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

-   -   Spread of frame leaves: 48.5 cm     -   Head diameter (market trimmed with single cap leaf): 16.2 cm     -   Head shape: Spherical     -   Head size class: Large     -   Head firmness: Firm

Butt:

-   -   Butt shape: Rounded     -   Midrib: Moderately raised

Core:

-   -   Core diameter at base of head: 31.6 mm     -   Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 5.1     -   Core height from base of head to apex: 38.6 mm

Bolting:

-   -   Number of days from first water to seed stalk emergence under         summer conditions: 72 days     -   Bolting class: Medium     -   Mature seed stalk height: 117 cm     -   Mature seed stalk spread: 42.8 cm     -   Spread of bolter plant at widest point: 32.3 cm     -   Bolter leaves: Curved     -   Margin: Dentate     -   Bolter habit:         -   Terminal inflorescence: Present     -   Lateral shoots: Present     -   Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18,         Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible     -   Big Vein Virus: Susceptible     -   Powdery Mildew: Susceptible

Pest Resistance:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible

Stress Resistance:

-   -   Heat: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible     -   Cold: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible

Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 1A below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ with the lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (PVP Certificate No. 200700432). Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Showtime’.

TABLE 1A Characteristic ‘Dark Horse’ ‘Showtime’ Frame size Larger frame Smaller frame Weight Increased weight Decreased weight Head diameter Increased head diameter Decreased head diameter

Table 1B below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ with the lettuce variety ‘Showtime’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Showtime’.

TABLE 1B Characteristic ‘Dark Horse’ ‘Showtime’ Mature seed stalk height  117 cm 103.4 cm  Mature seed stalk spread 42.8 cm 54.8 cm Spread of bolter plant at 32.3 cm 33.5 cm widest point

Table 1C below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ with the lettuce varieties ‘Showtime’ and ‘Greenbelt’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’, column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Showtime’, and column 4 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’.

TABLE 1C Characteristic ‘Dark Horse’ ‘Showtime’ ‘Greenbelt’ Spread of frame 48.5 cm 44.5 cm 45.3 cm leaves Head weight 751.5 g 639.1 g 643.3 g Head diameter 161.5 mm 132.7 mm 140.2 mm (market trimmed with single cap leaf) Core diameter at 31.6 mm 31.9 mm 32.3 mm base of head Core height from 38.6 mm 32.1 mm 31.4 mm base of head to apex Ratio of head 5.1 4.2 4.34 diameter/core diameter Color of mature 5GY 5/6 5GY 5/6 5GY 5/10 outer leaves (Munsell)

Tables 2A and 2B below show results of a trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ (Table 2A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (Table 2B).

TABLE 2A ‘Dark Horse’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 635 g 182 mm 43 mm 34 mm 61.5 cm Min 500 g 139 mm 21 mm 28 mm 45.5 cm Average 555 g 161.05 mm   31.85 mm   30.55 mm   56.58 cm  Std. Dev 36.99 13.79 5.25 1.61 4.06

TABLE 2B ‘Showtime’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 450 g 151 mm 28 mm 30 mm 51.5 cm Min 350 g 132 mm 14 mm 25 mm 42.5 cm Average 406 g 141.1 mm   20.95 mm   27.4 mm   46.83 cm  Std. Dev 26.88 6.26 3.69 1.57 2.83

Tables 2C-2E below show results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ (Table 2C) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (Table 2D) and 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’ (Table 2E).

TABLE 2C ‘Dark Horse’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 1450 g  170 mm 73 mm 40 mm 55 cm Min 410 g 119 mm 29 mm 26 mm 38 cm Average 950 g 143.15 mm   50.25 mm   32.35 mm   47.3 cm   Std. Dev 254.71 13.26 13.93 3.80 4.96

TABLE 2D ‘Showtime’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 1170 g 142 mm 55 mm 41 mm 47 cm Min  595 g 104 mm 21 mm 27 mm 37 cm Average 802.5 g  117.25 mm   32.25 mm   33.2 mm   42.4 cm   Std. Dev 150.01 10.23 8.19 3.17 3.14

TABLE 2E ‘Greenbelt’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 1040 g 140 mm 60 mm 40 mm 51 cm Min  555 g 110 mm 20 mm 28 mm 37 cm Average 810.75 g   125.1 mm   41.55 mm   34.05 mm   44.5 cm   Std. Dev 125.52 10.49 10.26 4.08 4.73

Tables 2F-2H below show results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ (Table 2F) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (Table 2G) and 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’ (Table 2H).

TABLE 2F ‘Dark Horse’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 700 g 195 mm 34 mm 34 mm 53 cm Min 385 g 166 mm 21 mm 25 mm 46 cm Average 553 g 179.8 mm   27 mm 30.75 mm   49.7 cm   Std. Dev 97.54 7.43 3.18 2.07 1.75

TABLE 2G ‘Showtime’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 620 g 158 mm 43 mm 34 mm 50 cm Min 390 g 138 mm 21 mm 28 mm 42 cm Average 475.75 g   148.1 mm   31.85 mm   30.55 mm   46.5 cm   Std. Dev 71.90 6.41 5.25 1.61 2.24

TABLE 2H ‘Greenbelt’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 615 g 167 mm 28 mm 34 mm 50 cm Min 355 g 143 mm 15 mm 28 mm 43 cm Average 475.75 g   155.3 mm   21.3 mm   30.55 mm   46.5 cm   Std. Dev 77.09 6.91 3.50 1.85 1.82

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the varieties ‘Dark Horse’. ‘Showtime’, and ‘Greenbelt’ depicted in FIGS. 2A-2W.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Hotshot’

‘Hotshot’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its earlier maturing time, smaller stem length, darker green color, improved texture, larger head diameter, larger core diameter, and increased weight. Moreover. ‘Hotshot’ has a growing season that includes autumn, is suitable for cultivation in the open, and is adapted to growing in regions in the Southwest, such the Arizona desert, of the United States. FIGS. 3A-3H depict heads, plants, seedlings, and a harvest-mature outer leaf of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. Lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its intermediate resistance to Fusarium Wilt race 1.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Hotshot’.

Lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg)

Seed:

-   -   Color: Munsell 2.5Y7/2 (White)     -   Seed light dormancy: Light not required     -   Heat dormancy: Susceptible

Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:

-   -   Shape of cotyledons: Intermediate     -   Shape of fourth leaf: Elongated     -   Apical margin: Entire     -   Basal margin: Finely dentate     -   Green color: Medium green     -   Anthocyanin distribution: Absent     -   Cupping: Slight     -   Reflexing: None

Mature leaves:

-   -   Margin:         -   Incision depth: Moderate         -   Indentation: Deeply dentate         -   Undulation of apical margin: Strong     -   Green color: Munsell 5GY 5/6 (Medium green)     -   Anthocyanin distribution: Absent     -   Leaf glossiness: Glossy     -   Blistering: Moderate     -   Leaf thickness: Intermediate     -   Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

-   -   Spread of frame leaves: 50.8 cm     -   Head diameter (market trimmed with single cap leaf): 14.4 cm     -   Head shape: Spherical     -   Head size class: Medium     -   Head firmness: Firm

Butt:

-   -   Butt shape: Rounded     -   Midrib: Moderately raised

Core:

-   -   Core diameter at base of head: 30.1 mm     -   Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.8     -   Core height from base of head to apex: 26.8 mm

Bolting:

-   -   Number of days from first water to seed stalk emergence under         summer conditions: 74     -   Bolting class: Medium     -   Mature seed stalk height: 107 cm     -   Mature seed stalk spread: 50.9 cm     -   Spread of bolter plant at widest point: 37.4 cm     -   Bolter leaves: Curved     -   Margin: Dentate     -   Bolter habit:         -   Terminal inflorescence: Absent         -   Lateral shoots: Present         -   Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease Resistance:

-   -   Big Vein Virus: Susceptible     -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18,         Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible     -   Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae) race 1:         Intermediate resistant

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible

Stress Resistance:

-   -   Tipburn: Susceptible     -   Heat: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible     -   Cold: Susceptible     -   Pink rib: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible

Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 3A below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ with the lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’ (PVP Certificate No. 201000303). Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. Texture refers to resilient and crisp leaf thickness at the proper maturity of harvest.

TABLE 3A Characteristic ‘Hotshot’ ‘Caretaker’ Maturing time Earlier maturing Later maturing Stem length Shorter stem length Longer stem length Green color Darker green color Lighter green color Texture More textured Less textured

Table 3B below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ with the lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’ (PVP Certificate No. 201000303) and lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PVP Certificate No. PVP 8900281). Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’, column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’, and column 4 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Raider’.

TABLE 3B Characteristic ‘Hotshot’ ‘Caretaker’ ‘Raider’ Spread of frame 50.8 cm 50.3 cm 51.9 cm leaves Head weight 611.7 g 551 g 570.3 g Head diameter 144.1 mm 138.4 mm 140.5 mm (market trimmed with single cap leaf) Core diameter at 30.1 mm 29.5 mm 29.6 mm base of head Core height from 26.8 mm 27.8 mm 29.6 mm base of head to apex Ratio of head 4.8 4.7 4.8 diameter/core diameter Color of mature 5GY 5/6 5GY 5/8 5GY 5/10 outer leaves (Munsell)

Tables 4A-4C below show results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ (Table 4A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’ (Table 4B3) and 20 plants of variety ‘Raider’ (Table 4C).

TABLE 4A ‘Hotshot’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 710 g 163 mm 40 mm 39 mm 54 cm Min 480 g 124 mm 28 mm 32 mm 46 cm Average 609.25 g   144.9 mm   33.5 mm   35.85 mm   50.4 cm   Std. Dev 66.89 10.15 3.22 2.03 2.35

TABLE 4B ‘Caretaker’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 640 g 151 mm 39 mm 39 mm 54 cm Min 420 g 124 mm 25 mm 32 mm 46 cm Average 521.5 g   138.9 mm   31.85 mm   34.35 mm   49.55 cm   Std. Dev 67.44 7.82 3.62 1.53 2.42

TABLE 4C ‘Raider’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 615 g 152 mm 40 mm 39 mm 57 cm Min 370 g 124 mm 29 mm 32 mm 48 cm Average 486 g 138.35 mm 34.5 mm 35.2 mm 52.3 cm Std. Dev 68.20 7.05 3.38 2.00 2.27

Tables 4D-4F below show results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ (Table 4D) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’ (Table 4E) and 20 plants of variety ‘Raider’ (Table 4F).

TABLE 4D ‘Hotshot’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 815 g 149 mm 34 mm 37 mm 59 cm Min 550 g 125 mm 22 mm 28 mm 51 cm Average 659.25 g 137.9 mm 28.9 mm 32.55 mm 54.65 cm Std. Dev 67.34 7.38 3.37 2.24 2.46

TABLE 4E ‘Caretaker’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 710 g 149 mm 33 mm 34 mm 59 cm Min 425 g 117 mm 24 mm 27 mm 51 cm Average 567.25 g 130.95 mm 28.45 mm 31.35 mm 54.05 cm Std. Dev 81.10 8.33 2.96 1.98 2.26

TABLE 4F ‘Raider’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 930 g 151 mm 38 mm 37 mm 61 cm Min 485 g 116 mm 24 mm 29 mm 52 cm Average 630.75 g 134.1 mm 30.35 mm 33.45 mm 57.1 cm Std. Dev 115.84 9.27 3.69 2.21 2.49

Tables 4G-4I below show results of a third trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ (Table 4G) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’ (Table 4H) and 20 plants of variety ‘Raider’ (Table 4I).

TABLE 4G ‘Hotshot’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 680 g 175 mm 21 mm 25 mm 50 cm Min 460 g 132 mm 15 mm 20 mm 44 cm Average 566.5 g 149.6 mm 17.9 mm 21.95 mm 47.45 cm Std. Dev 55.13 11.97 1.52 1.39 1.57

TABLE 4H ‘Caretaker’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 640 g 156 mm 26 mm 25 mm 51 cm Min 490 g 132 mm 19 mm 21 mm 43 cm Average 564.25 g 145.3 mm 23 mm 22.9 mm 47.45 cm Std. Dev 43.93 8.49 1.97 0.91 1.93

TABLE 4I ‘Raider’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 680 g 176 mm 26 mm 23 mm 50 cm Min 470 g 130 mm 20 mm 16 mm 43 cm Average 594 g 149.05 mm 24 mm 20 mm 46.35 cm Std. Dev 63.07 11.20 1.72 2.08 2.01

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the varieties ‘Hotshot’, ‘El Guapo’, ‘Caretaker’, and ‘Raider’ depicted in FIGS. 4A-4AA.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Uppercut’

‘Uppercut’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its earlier maturing time, larger frame, larger head diameter, and increased weight. Moreover. ‘Uppercut’ has a growing season that includes winter, spring, and summer, is suitable for cultivation in the open, and is adapted to growing in regions in the Southwest, such the Arizona desert, as well as the West Coast regions of the United States. FIGS. 5A-5E depict heads and plants of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’. Lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its resistance to Fusarium Wilt race 1.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Uppercut’.

Lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg)

Seed:

-   -   Color: Munsell 5YR 4/2 (Black)     -   Seed light dormancy: Light not required     -   Heat dormancy: Susceptible

Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:

-   -   Shape of cotyledons: Spatulate     -   Shape of fourth leaf: Elongated     -   Apical margin: Finely dentate     -   Basal margin: Moderately dentate     -   Green color: Medium green     -   Anthocyanin distribution: Absent     -   Cupping: Slight     -   Reflexing: Apical margin

Mature leaves:

-   -   Margin:         -   Incision depth: Moderate         -   Indentation: Crenate         -   Undulation of apical margin: Moderate     -   Green color: Munsell 5GY 5/8 (Medium green)     -   Anthocyanin distribution: Absent     -   Leaf glossiness: Dull     -   Blistering: Moderate     -   Leaf thickness: Thick     -   Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

-   -   Spread of frame leaves: 49.8 cm     -   Head diameter (market trimmed with single cap leaf): 14.5 cm     -   Head shape: Spherical     -   Head size class: Large     -   Head firmness: Firm

Butt:

-   -   Butt shape: Rounded     -   Midrib: Moderately raised

Core:

-   -   Core diameter at base of head: 32.3 mm     -   Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.5     -   Core height from base of head to apex: 37.1 mm

Bolting:

-   -   Number of days from first water to seed stalk emergence under         summer conditions: 69 days     -   Bolting class: Medium     -   Mature seed stalk height: 127.4 cm     -   Mature seed stalk spread: 46 cm     -   Spread of bolter plant at widest point: 33.9 cm     -   Bolter leaves: Curved     -   Margin: Entire     -   Bolter habit:         -   Terminal inflorescence: Present     -   Lateral shoots: Present     -   Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18,         Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33     -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible     -   Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae) race 1:         Resistant     -   Big Vein Virus: Susceptible     -   Powdery Mildew: Susceptible     -   Corky Root Rot: Susceptible

Pest Resistance:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible

Stress Resistance:

-   -   Tipburn: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible     -   Heat: Susceptible     -   Cold: Susceptible     -   Pink rib: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible     -   Rusty brown discoloration: Moderately resistant/moderately         susceptible     -   Internal rib necrosis: Moderately resistant/moderately         susceptible

Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 5A below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ with the lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’ (PVP Certificate No. 9800023). Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Telluride’.

TABLE 5A Characteristic ‘Uppercut’ ‘Headmaster’ Maturing time Earlier maturing Later maturing Frame size Larger frame Smaller frame Head diameter Increased head diameter Decreased head diameter Rib smoothness Smoother rib Less smooth rib Head weight Increased weight Decreased weight

Table 5B below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ with the lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’ (PVP Certificate No. 201100043) and the lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’ (PVP Certificate No. 980023). Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’, column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’, and column 4 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’.

TABLE 5B Characteristic ‘Uppercut’ ‘Thunderhead’ ‘Headmaster’ Spread of frame 49.8 cm 47.9 cm 49.7 cm leaves Head weight 684.6 g 611.3 g 501.7 g Head diameter 145.1 mm 138.2 mm 136.2 mm (market trimmed with single cap leaf) Core diameter at 32.3 mm 32.3 mm 29.9 mm base of head Core height from 37.1 mm 32 mm 24.6 mm base of head to apex Ratio of head 4.5 4.3 4.6 diameter/core diameter Color of mature 5GY 5/8 5GY 5/8 SGY 4/8 outer leaves (Munsell)

Tables 6A-6C below show results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ (Table 6A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’ (Table 6B3) and 20 plants of variety ‘Headmaster’ (Table 6C).

TABLE 6A ‘Uppercut’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 905 g 164 mm 47 mm 39 mm 61 cm Min 550 g 138 mm 25 mm 32 mm 51 cm Average 733.75 g 150.95 mm 36.05 mm 35.25 mm 55.2 cm Std. Dev 116.58 8.99 5.17 1.71 2.49

TABLE 6B ‘Thunderhead’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 860 g 167 mm 35 mm 41 mm 59 cm Min 395 g 110 mm 23 mm 30 mm 45.5 cm Average 582.5 g 140.2 mm 28.25 mm 34.3 mm 52.9 cm Std. Dev 114.38 13.63 2.92 2.43 3.20

TABLE 6C ‘Headmaster’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 720 g 169 mm 31 mm 36 mm 59.5 cm Min 470 g 123 mm 23 mm 27 mm 48.5 cm Average 570.05 g 144.95 mm 25.8 mm 32.65 mm 53.375 cm Std. Dev 74.04 14.04 2.57 2.13 2.64

Tables 6D-6F below show results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ (Table 6D) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’ (Table 6E) and 20 plants of variety ‘Headmaster’ (Table 6F).

TABLE 6D ‘Uppercut’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 830 g 155 mm 48 mm 34 mm 46 cm Min 380 g 111 mm 28 mm 26 mm 43 cm Average 635.5 g 139.3 mm 38.2 mm 29.35 mm 44.325 cm Std. Dev 113.81 10.51 5.56 2.01 1.00

TABLE 6E ‘Thunderhead’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 825 g 150 mm 45 mm 35 mm 46 cm Min 485 g 125 mm 25 mm 26 mm 40 cm Average 640 g 136.15 mm 35.75 mm 30.3 mm 43.025 cm Std. Dev 103.83 6.96 5.85 2.56 1.63

TABLE 6F ‘Headmaster’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max 610 g 155 mm 39 mm 31 mm 48 cm Min 245 g 105 mm 18 mm 21 mm 44 cm Average 433.25 g 127.45 mm 23.3 mm 27.25 mm 46.075 cm Std. Dev 103.91 14.48 4.50 2.63 1.15

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the varieties ‘Uppercut’, ‘Thunderhead’, and ‘Headmaster’, depicted in FIGS. 6A-6R.

Further Embodiments

Breeding

In lettuce breeding, lines are selected for their appropriate characteristics. For example, one line may be selected for bolt tolerance in the fall growing conditions of the desert production locations of California and Arizona. Another line may be selected for the size, color, and texture of the lettuce head. Crosses are made, for example, to produce a dark green, sure heading iceberg lettuce with improved texture, and size for fall plantings in Yuma. Arizona and the Salinas Valley, California.

To optimize crossing, it is important to note that lettuce is an obligate self-pollinating species. This means that the pollen is shed before stigma emergence, assuring 100% self-fertilization. Since each lettuce flower is an aggregate of about 10-20 individual florets (typical of the Compositae family), manual removal of the anther tubes containing the pollen is performed by procedures well known in the art of lettuce breeding.

The manual removal of anther tubes, though an effective means to ensure the removal of all self pollinating possibilities, is very tedious and time consuming when a large number of crosses are to be made. The breeders have therefore adapted a well documented and modified method of making crosses more efficiently using these methods. This particular cross was made by first misting the designated male flowers to wash the pollen off prior to fertilization. This process of misting is a proven and effective means of pollen removal that assures crossing or hybridization. About 60-90 minutes past sunrise, flowers to be used for crossings are selected. The basis for selection are open flowers, with the stigma emerged and the pollen visibly attached to the single stigma (about 10-20 stigma). Using 3-4 pumps of water from a regular spray bottle, the pollen is washed off with enough pressure to dislodge the pollen grains, but not enough to damage the style. Excess water is dried off with clean paper towels. About 30 minutes later, the styles should spring back up and the two lobes of the stigma are visibly open in a “V” shape. Pollen from another variety or donor parent is then introduced by gently rubbing the stigma and style of the donor parent to the maternal parent. Tags with the pertinent information on date and pedigree are then secured to the flowers in order to keep track.

About 2-3 weeks after pollination, seeds are harvested when the involucre have matured. The seeds are eventually sown and in the presence of markers such as leaf color or leaf margins, the selfed or maternal seedlings or plants are identified. Generally, there are no visible markers and breeders must wait until the F₂ generations when expected segregation patterns for the genetic character of interest can be followed. This latter situation mandates a lengthy wait to determine if hybrids are produced. Two relevant references teaching methods for out crossing lettuce are: (1) Ryder, E. J. and A. S. Johnson. 1974. Mist depollination of lettuce flowers. Hortscience 9:584; and (2) Nagata. R. T. 1992. Clip and Wash Method of Emasculation for Lettuce. Hortscience 27(8):907-908 both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for the purpose of providing details on the techniques well known in the art.

Selection

In addition to crossing, selection may be used to identify and isolate new lettuce lines. In lettuce selection, lettuce seeds are planted, the plants are grown and single plant selections are made of plants with desired characteristics. Such characteristics may include improved head and frame size, deeper or darker green leaf color, etc. Seed from the single plant selections are harvested, separated from seeds of the other plants in the field and re-planted. The plants from the selected seed are monitored to determine if they exhibit the desired characteristics of the originally selected line. Selection work is continued over multiple generations to increase the uniformity of the new line.

DEPOSIT INFORMATION Lettuce Variety ‘Dark Horse’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ is maintained by Pinnacle Seed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672. Carmel, California 93923. United States of America. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2.500 seeds of the same variety made according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection. (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas. Virginia, 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ was deposited on (DATE) according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard. Manassas, Virginia, 20110. USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X1. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years after the most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Lettuce Variety ‘Hotshot’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ is maintained by Pinnacle Seed. Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672. Carmel, California 93923, United States of America. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection. (ATCC). ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas. Virginia, 20110. USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ was deposited on (DATE) according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard. Manassas, Virginia, 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X2. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years after the most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Lettuce Variety ‘Uppercut’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ is maintained by Pinnacle Seed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672. Carmel, California 93923. United States of America. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection. (ATCC). ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard. Manassas, Virginia, 20110. USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ was deposited on (DATE) according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard. Manassas, Virginia, 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X3. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years after the most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period. 

1. A Lactuca sativa seed designated as ‘Dark Horse’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number X1.
 2. A Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the seed of claim
 1. 3. A plant part from the plant of claim
 2. 4. The plant part of claim 3, wherein said part is a head, a leaf, or a portion thereof.
 5. The plant part of claim 4, wherein said part is a head.
 6. A Lactuca sativa plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the Lactuca sativa plant of claim
 2. 7. A plant part from the plant of claim
 6. 8. The plant part of claim 7, wherein said part is a head, a leaf, or a portion thereof.
 9. The plant part of claim 8, wherein said part is a head.
 10. An F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa plant having ‘Dark Horse’ as a parent where ‘Dark Horse’ is grown from the seed of claim
 1. 11. A pollen grain or an ovule of the plant of claim
 2. 12. A tissue culture of the plant of claim
 2. 13. A Lactuca sativa plant regenerated from the tissue culture of claim 12, wherein the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a lettuce plant produced by growing seed designated as ‘Dark Horse’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number X1.
 14. A method of making Lactuca sativa seeds, said method comprising crossing the plant of claim 2 with another lettuce plant and harvesting seed therefrom.
 15. A method of selecting Lactuca sativa, comprising: a) growing more than one plant from the seed of claim 1; and b) selecting a plant from step a).
 16. A Lactuca sativa plant selected by the method of claim
 15. 17. A Lactuca sativa seed produced from the Lactuca sativa plant of claim
 16. 